President John Dramani Mahama’s recent remarks in Beijing, where he hinted that Ghana would soon have its first female president, have sparked widespr
President John Dramani Mahama’s recent remarks in Beijing, where he hinted that Ghana would soon have its first female president, have sparked widespread speculation that he has quietly endorsed Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his preferred successor.
Behind this revelation lies a story that traces back to 2024 — before the then-candidate Mahama selected Prof. Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate. Reliable sources close to the presidency have disclosed that Mahama consulted the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, before making the decision.
During that meeting, Mahama reportedly told the monarch that he was looking for “someone he could go home with when leaving office in 2029” — a statement that, it appears he has eaten a humble pie.
The Beijing Endorsement
Mahama’s comments at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing on October 12, 2025, have since reinforced those early signals. Speaking as the African Union’s Champion for Gender and Women’s Empowerment, Mahama declared that Ghana was ready for a female president, pointing to the country’s historic achievements in women’s leadership.
“We have achieved milestones including the election of Ghana’s first female vice president and the appointment of women in the judiciary, security services, and key national institutions,” he said.
“These are not symbolic gestures. They affirm that women deserve a seat at the highest table of decision-making. I am confident that in the very near future, our women will break the glass ceiling — and there will be a woman president of the Republic of Ghana.”
The statement, which many interpreted as a direct endorsement of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, has sent ripples through the National Democratic Congress (NDC), reigniting succession debates even before the end of Mahama’s second term.
Party Dynamics and Silent Rivalries
Within the NDC, rumours are swirling that Mahama’s endorsement has caught several key figures off guard. Sources within the party allege that Mahama was quietly supporting his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, as a possible contender for the 2028 flagbearership, over the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who is “lacing his boots” and positioning himself for the same race.
However, Mahama’s public praise of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang appears to have shifted the political tide.
Senior party figures, including former Ghana High Commissioner to South Africa and now Ambassador to Serbia, Kwesi Ahwoi, have publicly declared that Naana Jane is the natural successor to Mahama.
“Whether she is 78, 79 or 80, she can still be president after Mahama. We’ve tried men and seen where they have taken us. It’s time to let a woman lead,” Ahwoi said.
Haruna Iddrisu’s Calculated Endorsement
Adding to the intrigue, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has also thrown his weight behind Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, describing her as a “champion of education and gender empowerment.”
Welcoming her to the Education Ministry in September 2025, Haruna prayed for her longevity, saying, “It is my prayer that God will give you long life and good health, and that you will one day become Ghana’s first female president.”
But political analysts believe Haruna’s endorsement is not merely symbolic. Party insiders suggest he may be eyeing the running mate slot in 2028 — a strategic move that could strengthen the NDC’s regional balance, particularly in the Northern sector, where Haruna commands significant influence.
“His name keeps swimming around because he can pull votes from the north,” one party source told The Daily Gist.
Quiet Lobbying and Future Calculations
Despite the public show of unity, internal lobbying within the NDC has intensified.
Some factions are said to be unhappy with Mahama’s subtle endorsement, arguing that it preempts the party’s democratic process.
Others believe his statement is part of a long-term succession plan meant to preserve stability and continuity within the NDC after his exit.
Meanwhile, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang has remained publicly restrained, avoiding direct political commentary while continuing her official duties.
A Historic Moment in the Making
If Mahama’s vision materializes, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang could become Ghana’s first female president — and the first person in the Fourth Republic to succeed her boss in power.
7 Names Pop Up
With John Mahama constitutionally barred from seeking another term after 2028, the NDC faces the delicate task of selecting a successor capable of consolidating his legacy and retaining power. Party strategists acknowledge that the outcome of Mahama’s current administration will heavily shape the electoral fortunes of whoever emerges as flagbearer.
The Frontrunners
1. Johnson Asiedu Nketia – The veteran “General Mosquito” has a deep-rooted history in the NDC, serving as MP, Deputy Minister, General Secretary, and now National Chairman. Despite his influence, his age—he will be around 71 in 2028—remains a potential drawback.
2. Julius Debrah – Mahama’s Chief of Staff and longtime ally, Debrah is quietly positioning himself as a unifier with administrative depth. His strong Eastern Region background provides regional balance, and his political visibility within government continues to rise.
3. Haruna Iddrisu – The Minister for Education and Tamale South MP brings youthful energy and legislative experience. Polls consistently place him ahead among the grassroots, though regional fatigue—given Mahama’s Northern roots—could weigh against him.
4. Cassiel Ato Forson – The Finance Minister and economic strategist has earned respect for fiscal discipline but faces criticism over austerity measures and alleged favoritism in project fund allocations.
5. Goosie Tanoh – Once a leading reformist who broke away to form the NRP in 2000, Tanoh has re-emerged as Presidential Envoy for the 24-hour Economy Initiative.
6. Eric Opoku – The Minister for Food and Agriculture enjoys strong backing from First Lady Lordina Mahama. His growing popularity in the Bono Region and influence in agricultural reforms make him a contender, though he is still perceived as an underdog.
7. Akwasi Oppong-Fosu- A former Local Government minister and an expert in decentralization is also likely to join the race.
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